Stay Until Dawn
Bala Kanda, Sortha 159
Sortha 159 · Movement 2 of 2
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The hermit describes the night exactly as Pratapbhanu has experienced the day. Darkness covers the forest, its depth is dangerous, and no path can be found through it.
Even wisdom cannot create a road where the eye sees nothing. The king is urged to recognize the hour, accept the limits of his condition, and remain in the ashram rather than risk the wilderness again.
Stay here today, the host says, and leave when dawn returns. The invitation sounds fatherly and prudent. Beneath it, the defeated ruler gains an entire night in which to enter the trust of the sovereign he hates.
Night closes every forest path, and Pratapbhanu accepts shelter inside his enemy's design.
Read the passage from the Manas
निसा घोर गम्भीर बन पंथ न सुनहु सुजान। बसहु आजु अस जानि तुम्ह जाएहु होत बिहान।।159(क)।। तुलसी जसि भवतब्यता तैसी मिलइ सहाइ। आपुनु आवइ ताहि पहिं ताहि तहाँ लै जाइ।।159(ख)।।
"The night is dark, the forest deep, and there is no path, O wise one. Knowing this, stay here today. You may leave at dawn."